At approximately 11,000 miles the steering on the car became "notchy". When making minor corrections the steering wheel will lock and require extra steering pressure to overcome stiction in the system, at which point it jumps a bit past the intended position. Grand movements (turning a residential corner) are relatively symptom free. Symptoms are most noticeable when traveling at speeds above…
2023 Acura Integra steering problems
moderate 188 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
188
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 188 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A documented pattern of sticky, notchy steering at highway speeds affects many 2023 Acura Integra units, particularly after 8,000–15,000 miles. Owners report dealer acknowledgment but unavailable repair parts and months-long wait times; in extreme cases, steering has seized completely, causing crashes—make this a major inspection point before purchase or sale.
The 2023 Acura Integra has a widespread and reproducible steering defect centered on the electric power steering system. Most commonly, owners report that above 35 mph—especially on highway straightaways—the steering wheel feels stuck or notchy, requiring abnormal force to overcome resistance. When the wheel finally breaks loose, it often overcorrects, forcing the driver to fight back to center. This behavior emerges between 8,000 and 25,000 miles, usually within the first few months of ownership, and worsens over time.
The problem is worst on straight roads at speeds above 60 mph and in cold weather. It persists in all drive modes and regardless of lane-keep assist settings. One owner reported the wheel so stuck that it would hold a curve position without input. Several owners describe the sensation as "pixelated" or "notchy"—jerky movement instead of smooth response.
In extreme cases, the steering wheel has seized completely or rotated uncontrollably, causing accidents. Dealers acknowledge the issue and reference an NHTSA investigation (EA23003) and a July 2023 technical bulletin (23-037) directing electronic power steering gearbox replacement. However, replacement parts are consistently on backorder with no delivery estimates, leaving owners waiting months while driving what many consider an unsafe vehicle. One owner reported a misaligned replacement rack requiring another full replacement. Dealers frequently tell owners the steering is "normal" or "safe to drive," despite the acknowledged defect.
Same Acura Integra steering reports on nearby years: 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Sticky/Notchy Steering at Highway Speeds
The electric power steering system feels stuck or notchy, especially when driving straight at highway speeds (35+ mph) and attempting small lane-correction adjustments. The steering wheel requires excessive force to overcome resistance before suddenly releasing, causing overcorrection. The problem typically emerges after 10-15 minutes of highway driving and is worst on straight roads but can occur on curves.
When: Most reported between 8,000–25,000 miles; typically emerges 2–6 months after purchase; intermittent initially, becoming continuous over time
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels stuck or locked at center position, requiring abnormal force to move; Notchy or jerky steering with 'gaps' requiring extra push to overcome resistance; Overcorrection when steering finally releases, causing vehicle to drift into adjacent lanes; Worn or pixelated steering feel instead of smooth response; Wheel resists movement in both directions when centered; More pronounced at speeds above 35–40 mph; worsens above 60 mph; Worse on cold days or cold mornings; some mention wet/rainy conditions exacerbate it; Persists across all drive modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport) and with lane-keep assist disabled
Codes mentioned: EA23003 (NHTSA steering investigation referenced by multiple owners), No warning lights or stored fault codes reported by owners
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report dealers acknowledging the issue but stating no parts available; steering rack/power steering gearbox replacement cited as the repair; some owners report parts on backorder with no ETA, others report 5-month wait times. One owner (#43) references technical bulletin 23-037 (July 2023) directing steering gearbox replacement. One owner (#34) reports initial fix with grease that failed, requiring full replacement. One owner (#17) reports improper installation of replacement gearbox with misaligned teeth, requiring another replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda/Acura technical service bulletin 23-037 issued July 2023 directing replacement of electronic power steering gearbox; NHTSA investigation EA23003 ongoing for similar issue in Honda Civic (sister platform); Acura Campaign 24V744000 (Steering) identified post-incident in at least one case. Multiple owners report dealers saying 'safe to drive' or 'normal behavior' despite acknowledging the fault; one dealer said it was how Acura 'intended' steering to feel. Owners report Acura/dealers have not offered loaners or replacement vehicles despite acknowledged safety defect.
Steering Lock or Full Stiction After Warm-Up
After approximately 15–20 minutes of highway driving, the steering wheel becomes significantly stiffer and harder to turn, sometimes approaching a locked state. The issue worsens the longer the vehicle is driven and improves after the vehicle cools. No warning lights or error codes appear. Appears related to electric power steering system temperature or fluid state.
When: Typically manifests 15–30 minutes into highway driving; one owner (#24) reported onset at 2,500 miles; another (#37) at 7,500 miles; occurs after vehicle is fully warmed
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes progressively stiffer the longer the drive continues; Wheel becomes very difficult or nearly impossible to turn for small corrections; Issue resolves after vehicle is turned off and allowed to rest for several minutes; More pronounced on cooler mornings or cold-weather days; Distinct banging noise when attempting to move the stuck steering wheel; If wheel is stuck on a curve, it will remain in that position until manually forced
Repairs/costs cited: One owner (#20) reports dealership confirmed the issue but unable to provide a solution at that time. No repair details provided in narratives; parts unavailable per multiple owner reports.
Steering Wheel Seizure and Loss of Control
In rare but critical incidents, the steering wheel seizes completely or performs unintended full rotation, causing loss of vehicle control and collisions. One documented crash occurred when steering wheel rotated 360 degrees during a right turn at low speed; another when steering pulled out of intended position and seized during a turn; a third when vehicle veered hard left post-service and struck rocks. These represent extreme manifestations of the broader sticky-steering defect.
When: Owner #32: 16,700 miles; Owner #23: immediately after dealer service for steering recall; Owner #41: 17,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks or seizes mid-turn; Steering wheel performs unintended full 360-degree rotation; Steering pulls out of intended position and locks; Complete loss of steering control, resulting in crash; No warning lights before seizure events
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 24V744000 (Steering), NHTSA Action EA23003
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #32: worm gear spring replaced post-crash; structural body repairs made; Owner #23: steering rack replaced under recall prior to incident. Owner #41: software update for EPS system attempted but failure persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V744000 issued (Steering); Owner #23 submitted manufacturer claim post-crash; Owner #32 learned of campaign inclusion after repair. No evidence of proactive manufacturer communication prior to crash events.
Steering Misalignment or Pull After Rack Replacement
After steering rack replacement, some vehicles exhibit steering-wheel centering issues, with the wheel sitting off-center visually and requiring constant pressure to keep the vehicle tracking straight. Lane-keep assist becomes unreliable or unsafe. One independent mechanic assessment indicated possible misalignment of replacement rack teeth.
When: Owner #17: first occurred at 9,300 miles; post-repair issues noted; vehicle now at 12,200 miles with ongoing problem
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel visually off-center after rack replacement; Requires constant pressure to maintain straight-line driving; Lane-keep assist will not operate reliably at highway speeds; swerves unpredictably; Tires showing signs of wear from pulling; Service manager states this is within normal operating modes and cannot duplicate issues
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gearbox replaced; independent mechanic assessment indicated rack-and-pinion likely installed incorrectly with misaligned teeth; recommended full replacement again but no fix provided by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura stated behavior is within normal operating modes; cannot duplicate issue; service manager reportedly stated other customers would 'love' to have the car drive this way
Synthesized from 188 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 18 most recent
Within the last two weeks I have noticed that when I reach cruising speeds of above 45-50mph my steering wheel will lock up when going in a straight line. It requires extra effort to get the steering wheel to respond. It sort of pops back into being able to steer. This is particularly unnerving when trying to make subtle adjustments when driving at cruising speeds. The component has not been…
Steering wheel gets very stiff and while driving and I do not feel safe driving my car. I already took it in to the dealership for a diagnostic but they said everything is fine. They didn’t repair anything and my car is still having the same issue.
Extra resistance and steering effort when using steering wheel to make small corrections to stay in lane; steering effort feels “sticky.” Occurs after approximately 20 minutes of freeway driving.
At speeds above 45 MPH, especially during cold weather, the steering wheel behaves in a "sticky" manner. It requires substantially more force to turn it from the center position.
The steering is malfunctioning. When driving at medium to high-speed, the steering wheel feels somewhat sticky. This is most noticeable when on a straight stretch, or on a slow curve. When the car was new, the steering was responsive to subtle inputs. Now, the wheel seems stuck, and it requires an unexpected amount of Torque to overcome the stickiness. This has not caused an accident, but causes…
Hi. Our 1-owner, 13,500-mile, 2023 Integra started experiencing “sticky steering” back in October 2023, which has gotten worse. It happens at all vehicle speeds, and in each of the three driving modes. It has gotten annoying, and seems quite unsafe. Especially for our inexperienced son (18). Sudden correction/overcorrection of steering input has the vehicle wandering off line, and jerking side…
While at cruising speeds the steering rack seems to grab when doing micro adjustments to keep straight and I have to apply more pressure which causes a small jerk in the steering
When driving at highway speeds, the steering of the car feels like it gets stuck, especially when trying to change lanes.. When turning the steering wheel to change lanes, it doesn’t do anything until you give it a little tug more to change lane. There’s also a problem when going over 40MPH over a slight bend, the car doesn’t turn until you tug the wheel more to whichever way the road is going.…
When driving on the freeway, I started noticing the steering would stick when attempting to make slight movements to follow the changes in the road. I would have to put more effort into my steering to correct it and it would feel sticky immediately. This happens on the whole trip where I'm constantly having to correct it slightly left and slightly right, with more effort, as if the power steering…
Had steering trouble with your 2023 Acura Integra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2023 Acura Integra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 188 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 188 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 22,975 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Acura/Integra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.